Report: Peppers set to visit Bears

The Chicago Bears are getting aggressive in their pursuit of pass rushing defensive end Julius Peppers, according to a report.

Peppers, who has been with the Carolina Panthers for eight seasons, will visit Chicago on Friday, his agent Carl Carey told the Chicago Tribune late Thursday. Bears coach Lovie Smith got to Charlotte, N.C., early Friday, the newspaper reported on its Web site, and apparently will return to Chicago with Peppers and his agent.

The Bears will likely have to shell out a lot of money to land Peppers. He and the Panthers couldn't agree to a long-term deal, and Peppers played under the one-year tender worth an NFL-high $16.7 million. After recording 10 1/2 sacks, Peppers made the Pro Bowl and earned a $1.5 million bonus.

The Tribune also reported the Bears are interested in tight end in Brandon Manumaleuna. He caught only five passes for the Rams last season, but he's considered a good blocker.

Free-agent running back Chester Taylor is also scheduled to visit Chicago on Friday, his agent Ken Sarnoff said.

A source told FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez that the bidding for Taylor has started at $8 million guaranteed with several teams besides Chicago in the mix.